Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a fairly big city, in fact, it is the second largest in all of California and the United State's most densely populated with around 13 million citizens in the greater metropolitan area. Today, the city is one of the most prominent cultural and technological centers and is best known for its filmmaking and entertainment industries, and is also where you can find the famous Hollywood sign.
LA has a warm and pleasant climate as well as some stunning beaches, which is why lots of people choose it as a vacation spot. When is the best time to visit? Any time! And if you are familiar with the latest celebrity gossip then you probably know that Los Angeles is home to many famous actors, singers and performers. It has nearly 100 museums, several theme parks and annual festivals that encourage people to visit, and the city benefits greatly from its tourism. Check out places like Marina Del Ray to see nature at its best with intriguing wetlands and gorgeous parks.
Whether you are here on business or leisure, you should take advantage of all the fun attractions that LA has to offer, as well as its great food scene. Bars, cafes and bistros are scattered around the city serving a variety of different meals, including some fantastic vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Stop by a Los Angeles luggage locker to keep your briefcase, shopping bags, or whatever else you are carrying around safe and out of the way while you eat. Savor the relaxation and the meal!
Crossroads Kitchen - Fairfax
What it's like:
At Crossroads Kitchen you will find a nice clean restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is a simple spot decorated with white tablecloths and chandeliers above the tables. You can make yourself comfortable in the padded booths while enjoying some fantastic meals. It is a great spot for a date night or a pleasant dinner with friends and family.
Our recommendation:
Some say that this is a vegan restaurant meant for carnivores since lots of the dishes are made with fake meat and other alternatives that taste just as good but do not include animal products. Some of their top choices are the chopped kale salad as an entrée, then move on to the "crab cakes" (made with apples, beet and diced hearts of palm), and finally, try the fava bean and English pea soup (no milk added!). The cheesy lasagna and artichoke oysters are also a fantastic choice as well as the stuffed zucchini blossoms with almond ricotta.
Location:
This vegan restaurant in Los Angeles, CA is found on 8284 Melrose Ave in West Hollywood.
The Butcher's Daughter - Venice
What's it like:
Despite its name, this is actually one of the best vegan restaurants in LA and is sometimes referred to as a "vegetable slaughterhouse". This food spot is open almost all day so you can come for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and enjoy some fantastic vegan and vegetarian options. The inside of the restaurant is open and airy with big tables and stools, so you can fit large groups and have plenty of room to sit together. Plants line the walls and thick ropes hang artistically from the ceiling giving it a pleasant and Zen vibe.
Our recommendation:
On their menu, you will find dishes like BLT sandwiches, although the bacon is made with beans. Another nice choice is the spaghetti squash carbonara which will get your mouth watering. Make sure you order a glass (or two) of their Saucy Bubbles wine to go with your meal. It is important to note that they also offer gluten free dishes.
Location:
You can find The Butcher's Daughter at 1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, California.
Gokoku Vegetarian Ramen - Studio City
What it's like:
If you are craving some tasty noodles and savory broth then Gokoku Vegetarian Ramen is just what you need. They are set in a small but cozy and modern restaurant with dark wooded furnishings and bright blue accents. It is a nice spot to sit and take your time enjoying their tasty vegetarian and vegan menu.
Our recommendation:
Their kitchen serves entirely vegetarian dishes with some great noodle bowls that you are sure to love. The basic dishes are complete with a vegan broth, baby bok choy, wood ear mushrooms, jicama and yummy fried onions. You can perfect the meal yourself by adding your selection of jalapeno, black beans and tofu, and also choose how spicy you want it to be. They are accommodating to all eating restrictions including gluten free options. We recommend ordering a vegan sushi roll to go with your ramen, or some crispy fried rice and plant based tuna.
Location:
The location of this restaurant is 4147 Lankershim Blvd in LA.
Honeybee Burger - Fairfax
What it's like:
Welcome to one of LA's best burger joints, but this one offers some great vegetarian and vegan options. This shop is adorable with cute bees decorating the walls and other honey themed accessories and details. You can't miss the bright white and yellow exterior as you pass by, and the interior is clean and simple. They have both indoor and outdoor seating.
Our recommendation:
They serve amazing dishes with impossible meat and beyond burgers that even meat lovers will enjoy. Savor the crispy patties complemented by vegan cheese, as well as sweet potato fries on the side. Order a refreshing dairy-free chocolate milkshake to go with your burger and you are all set. It is like fast food but so much better.
Location:
Come visit them at their new location at 326 Lincoln Blvd in Venice or at 345 North La Brea in Los Angeles.
Bulan Thai Vegetarian Kitchen - East Hollywood
What it's like:
While you are in Los Angeles you should definitely stop for a meal from the Bulan Thai Vegetarian Kitchen. This restaurant is small and simple, and although it might not look like much from the outside its menu definitely makes it worth a visit. Inside there are a few small tables and they do not take reservations, but you can always order online and pick up your food for takeout if it is busy.
Our recommendation:
Try some of their classic dishes and get a taste of Thai cuisine. The menu has some great options and most dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan by request. We recommend the mock orange chicken or duck curry, which is a delicious meal when paired with pineapple fried rice and steamed veggies. They also serve veggie tom yum soup and several dishes of noodles like pad Thai or pad see-ew.
Location:
Find them at 4114 Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles, California.
Shojin Organic & Natural - Skid Row
What it's like:
In the mood for some Japanese cuisine? Head to the cute and welcoming Shojin Organic & Natural restaurant. The inside has pleasantly dim lighting that makes it a great date spot as well as tables suitable for either two or four guests and bright floral paintings on the walls. When you arrive you will be instructed to place your handbags in designated baskets next to your table which helps to keep them out of the way and safe from any food spills.
Our recommendation:
They have a fantastic dinner menu and are one of LA's great plant based restaurants. You will be happy with just about anything from their inventive and organic menu, like their seaweed salad, vegan sushi or Purple Treasure dish which is served as buttery eggplant over carrot maki rolls and asparagus. Make sure you taste their popular shojin dynamite roll and treat yourself to sliced banana tempura and coconut cream chocolate mousse for dessert.
Location:
This vegetarian restaurant is sort of a hidden gem and is located on the Little Tokyo Galleria's third floor. Their official address is 333 S Alameda St.
Monty's Good Burger - Angelino Heights, Koreatown
What it's like:
There is no surprise as to what you can find at Monty's Good Burger. This restaurant is sure to catch your eye with a bright red sign and a cute logo of a dog enjoying a tasty burger, just like the ones that they serve. Indoors it feels as though you are in a classic greasy spoon diner, with high tables and comfortable red stools to sit on. The baby blue and red color combination add to the vintage vibe and, along with their great food, attracts lots of people.
Our recommendation:
They are proud to offer a completely plant based menu which, although it is simple, is delicious. Come try the single or double burgers served with shoestring fries and vegan cheese and onion. They have tasty cheeseburgers or meatless impossible patties served with a homemade spread, pickles and grilled onions all packed into a potato bun. Their tater tots are the perfect side served with cheese ranch, sriracha, aioli and impossible meat, or you can take the healthy route and order a kale salad.
Location:
Find them at 1533 W Sunset Blvd, one of the city's most popular streets.
Ramen Hood - Downtown Los Angeles
What it's like:
Downtown Los Angeles is home to the landmarked Grand Central Market and is where you can find all sorts of stalls and maybe a food truck or two. Ramen Hood has their very own stall decorated with a classy black brick base and grey countertops, with a couple of stools set up in case you want to eat your food right after being served. You will be given your meal fresh in takeout containers and we recommend eating it while you browse the rest of the stalls in the market.
Our recommendation:
They serve some great vegan dishes and have recently upgraded their menu so you have even more options to choose from. Make the meal your own with your choice of original, garlic versions or spicy alternatives to the ramen dish, and each one is served with the perfect mix of bean sprouts, bok choy, scallions, king oyster mushrooms, chili threads and nori. You will have the option to add a plant based egg as well. Their secret ingredient that makes the rich broth so thick is sunflower seeds! If you don't want your meal hot try their chilled options like the dan dan noodles or smokey ramen. Sides include soy-chili-glazed broccoli, avocado toast or togarashi tater tots.
Location:
Spot them in the Grand Central Market at 317 S Broadway in Downtown LA.
Sugar Taco - Fairfax
What it's like:
Time for some Mexican cuisine! Sugar Taco is a proudly women-owned business serving delicious meals from a vibrant and friendly restaurant in Los Angeles. You can't miss their bright blue and orange exterior and signature logo of a traditional sugar skull representing the culture and heritage of the restaurant.
Our recommendation:
Try the plant based crispy fish, carnitas, carne asada or al pastor dishes. You can decide to add on guacamole, crema, mango salsa, cashew queso or, if you are brave enough, try the ghost taco. This spicy dish is filled with pollo diablo, drenched in habanero sauce and served with a ghost pepper salsa. Other items on the all day menu include burritos, nachos, seasonal veggies, street corn, beans, rice and quesadillas. They also have a sweet dessert menu offering churros and donuts.
Location:
Make sure to stop by Sugar Taco if you find yourself near 7257 Melrose Ave.
The Vtree Hollywood - Los Angeles
What it's like:
Another great vegetarian friendly place to eat is at The Vtree Hollywood. The restaurant is simple but elegant with blue painted walls and a family environment. They began as a pop-up eatery at Yamashiro but gained enough popularity and loyal customers to grant them a permanent restaurant serving great vegan food.
Our recommendation:
Their menu is a play on fried chicken but as plant based food. Try some meatless loaf and jambalaya served with potato salad, collard greens, or black-eyed peas. They have great mac n' cheese, po'boy sandwiches and buffalo mushroom bites, as well as a yummy dessert list. Get some chocolate chip cookies, red velvet or lemon pound cupcakes.
Location:
Find The Vtree Hollywood at 3515 W Sunset Blvd.
Eating Well in Los Angeles, CA
Whether you are here for a 3 day stay in LA or have a few weeks to relax here, you'll get the chance to try many eateries. LA is home to all sorts of different ethnicities who have brought their cuisine and traditional dishes with them for you to enjoy. As more people are embracing vegetarian and vegan food there have been an increase in plant based dining and creating delicious but organic meals have now become an art form. Dine in at one of these restaurants mentioned above and see exactly what we are talking about.
